Combat Sports Law

No bite in combat sports will ever be more infamous than Mike Tyson’s serial biting of Evander Holyfield in 1997.

Adding to this site’s database of regulatory precedent, this week the New York State Athletic Commission handed out a 6 month suspension and $10,000 fine to a boxer who attempted a similar infraction.

On June 11, 2022 Edgar Berlanga tried to bite his opponent.

Edgar Berlanga just tried to bite him Mike Tyson style! #BerlangaAngulo #Boxing

pic.twitter.com/KVCs2upx70

— Noah Bieniek (@Seventy7NB) June 12, 2022

In the bout there were no immediate consequences for this.

Berlanga admitted to the wrongdoing, claimed it was retaliation for elbows, but acknowledged that his actions occurred and were wrong.

I want to apologize for my actions and what I said yesterday about the Mike Tyson bite. I was in the moment and got a little ahead of myself. It doesn’t take away from the embarrassment that I have caused upon myself, my team, top ranks, and many others.

— Edgar Berlanga Jr (@EdgarBerlangaJr) June 12, 2022

I reacted poorly and take full responsibility. Moving forward, I am going to be more mindful and encouraging in my behavior. Once again, I do apologize.

— Edgar Berlanga Jr (@EdgarBerlangaJr) June 12, 2022

Today Mike Coppinger of ESPN reports that the NYSAC handed out a $10,000 fine and 6 month suspension for the infraction.

Edgar Berlanga is being suspended six months by the New York State Athletic Commission and fined $10,000 for attempting to bite Alexis Angulo on Saturday, sources told ESPN.